Kochi: Popular film and mimicry artist Kalabhavan Navas has passed away at the age of 51. He was found dead in a hotel room in Kochi on Thursday.

Navas was a well-known figure in Kerala's entertainment industry, gaining popularity through stage performances as part of the Kalabhavan mimicry troupe. He frequently performed alongside his brother, actor and mimicry artist Niyas Backer, and was a familiar face to Malayali audiences.

He made his film debut in 1995 with the movie Chaithanyam, and went on to act in several notable films including Junior Mandrake, Amma Ammayiamma, Meenakshi Kalyanam, Mattupetty Machan, Chandamama, My Dear Karadi, One Man Show, Vettam, Chattambinadu, Cobra, ABCD, Mylanchi Monchulla Veedu, and Mera Naam Shaji. His most recent theatrical release was Detective Ujjwalan.

Navas is survived by his wife, actress Rehna Navas, whom he married in 2002. He was the son of Aboobacker, a noted actor and theatre artist.

Further details surrounding his death are awaited.